Retailers are looking to cut staff hours (Image: Getty) Industry bosses have warned that rising employment costs are pushing retailers to consider reducing staff hours and in some cases cutting jobs entirely. New research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) shows that 61% of retail finance directors and CFOs (chief financial officers) plan to cut employee hours or overtime. Many are also exploring reductions in head office and shop-floor roles to manage increasing costs. Last year, employment costs for retailers rose by £5 billion due to higher employer National Insurance contributions and a rise in the National Living Wage, making the cost of a full-time, entry-level worker 10% higher, according to the BRC. Another National Living Wage increase of 4.1% is scheduled for April this year. READ MORE: Major UK supermarket announces closure of three stores next week READ MORE: Tesco, M&S, Lidl and Aldi opening new UK stores – full list of 54 locations Retail employment costs increased by £5 billion in 2025 (Image: Getty) The sector lost 74,000 jobs last year, leaving 2.76 …